Latest news with #CowesWeek
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
The UK's floating hotel in middle of the sea where rooms were £700 a night
The unusual establishment has had many incarnations but was sold to an unknown buyer last year One of the UK's most unique hotels was one that floated in the middle of the sea and had a former life as a WW2 fort. Guests who stayed would have to fork out £700 a night to stay and were encased in walls as thick as 4.5m to protect them from the water. Just a mile from the coast, the incredible granite island, Spitbank Sea Fort, has had varying uses in its lifetime since it was built in 1860. Firstly, it was built as one of a trio of forts to defend Britain against French warships in the 19th Century. They were then installed with anti-aircraft guns in World War 2 to protect against German attacks. But Spitbank Sea Fort, which lies in the Solent on Spit Sand, 1,100m southwest of Southsea Castle in Portsmouth, was transformed into a luxury hotel after it was sold by the Ministry Of Defence in 1980. In its incarnation as a fort, it was built with walls around 4.5m thick at basement level, and a 2.3m thick concrete roof. It consisted of ammunition stores, fronted brick casemates, and an iron armoured gun gallery which faced out to sea. It homed soldiers, sergeants, and officers, up until the 1960s when it was decommissioned and turned into a museum. Then, in 2009, the circular sea fortress was built by millionaire businessman Mike Clare, who founded the Dreams bed company, reportedly spent a staggering £3.5 million refurbishing the island into a luxury hotel. Arms and ammunitions were removed for the venue, to make way for nine spacious bedroom suites, three bars, three restaurant areas, and spa facilities, reports The Mirror. A deluxe double room cost £700 per night, while a premier room came with an even heftier price tag of £750. "Where better to stay when visiting Cowes Week than on your own private fortress?" stated Visit Portsmouth, the area's official tourist board. "Want a magnificent venue for a private party where there is no chance of gatecrashers, then Spitbank Fort ticks all of the boxes. "What about luxurious accommodation for the Isle of Wight Festival where you can party on like a rock star long into the night? "As Spitbank Fort can only be reached by own boats it provides a level of privacy, peace and tranquillity that is virtually impossible to find anywhere else in the world." Despite its glitz and glam, Fortbank Fort closed as a hotel in 2020 - following the Covid-19 lockdown. While travel enthusiasts have since discovered the empty fort, and claim it has been abandoned, the building was actually sold to an anonymous buyer last year. With a hammer price of just over £1 million, Spitbank Fort was sold by Savills, who witnessed 'global interest' from 'multiple buyer types'. They described the listing as an 'unparalleled opportunity to own a former island fort transformed into self-contained private accommodation', stating the island had potential for alternative use, subject to consent. "Nestled in the waters of Portsmouth Harbour, this remarkable property offers a truly one-of-a-kind living experience," Savills added. "Boasting approximately 33,000 sq. ft. of space, the fort's historic charm harmonizes with modern amenities. Enjoy panoramic views and exclusive privacy in this secluded yet accessible waterfront retreat." What its next reincarnation will be is not yet known.
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Huge £3.5m UK floating hotel charging £700-per-night abandoned in the sea
From helping Britain defend itself against French warships to a luxury hotel charging guests £700 per night - this incredible sea fortress now appears to have been left to rot Stranded just a mile from the UK coast, this incredible granite island has taken on many life forms. Constructed in the 1860s as part of a trio of forts to defend Britain against French warships - Spitbank Sea Fort lies in the Solent on Spit Sand, 1,100m southwest of Southsea Castle in Portsmouth. With walls around 4.5m thick at basement level, and a 2.3m thick concrete roof - the fort was installed with anti-aircraft guns during World War Two to protect nearby Portsmouth harbour against German attacks. The fortress consisted of ammunition stores, fronted brick casemates, and an iron armoured gun gallery which faced out to sea. It homed soldiers, sergeants, and officers, up until the 1960s when it was decommissioned and turned into a museum. Then, in 2009, the circular sea fortress was built by millionaire businessman Mike Clare who reportedly spent a staggering £3.5 million refurbishing the island into a luxury hotel. Arms and ammunitions were removed for the venue, to make way for nine spacious bedroom suites, three bars, three restaurant areas, and spa facilities. A deluxe double room cost £700 per night, while a premier room came with an even heftier price tag of £750. "Where better to stay when visiting Cowes Week than on your own private fortress?" stated Visit Portsmouth, the area's official tourist board. "Want a magnificent venue for a private party where there is no chance of gatecrashers, then Spitbank Fort ticks all of the boxes. "What about luxurious accommodation for the Isle of Wight Festival where you can party on like a rock star long into the night? As Spitbank Fort can only be reached by own boats it provides a level of privacy, peace and tranquillity that is virtually impossible to find anywhere else in the world." Despite its glitz and glam, Fortbank Fort closed as a hotel in 2020 - following the Covid-19 lockdown. While travel enthusiasts have since discovered the empty fort, and claim it has been abandoned, the building was actually sold to an anonymous buyer last year. With a hammer price of just over £1 million, Spitbank Fort was sold by Savills, who witnessed 'global interest' from 'multiple buyer types'. They described the listing as an 'unparalleled opportunity to own a former island fort transformed into self-contained private accommodation', stating the island had potential for alternative use, subject to consent. "Nestled in the waters of Portsmouth Harbour, this remarkable property offers a truly one-of-a-kind living experience," Savills added. "Boasting approximately 33,000 sq. ft. of space, the fort's historic charm harmonizes with modern amenities. Enjoy panoramic views and exclusive privacy in this secluded yet accessible waterfront retreat."
BBC News
24-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Charity crew 'insufficiently trained' to save drowning woman
Volunteers at a charity for disabled sailors were "insufficiently trained" to rescue a woman who drowned after falling overboard from a yacht, an accident investigation has Wood, 43, died after she fell from an Andrew Cassell Foundation (ACF) vessel during a race off Cowes, Isle of Wight in October Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report also found an "incomplete" risk assessment was carried out ahead of the ACF said it was "profoundly saddened" by Ms Wood's death and that it had "introduced significant improvements" after the incident. The ACF, based in Cowes, aims to enable disabled sailors to race with and against non-disabled crews in an "inclusive and equal environment".On the day of the incident, it was participating in a race organised by the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club. The MAIB report said the small sailing vessel called LimbItless was crewed by an experienced skipper, Ms Wood, and two foundation participant crew Ms Wood fell overboard, the skipper and one of the crew members were able to get the vessel alongside her but were "unable to pull her inboard".Three other vessels assisted in the rescue effort but Ms Wood was unconscious when she was pulled from the water and was pronounced dead at the found the charity's risk assessment "did not consider recovery methods tailored to individual needs of crew members."The report said the crew "did not have an effective method of recovering Elizabeth from the water". According to the MAIB report, Ms Wood had sailed extensively in her added that treatment she had received for a series of physical and mental health conditions had led to significant weight gain and a loss of joined joined the ACF in 2021 and had participated in Cowes Week the following Ms Wood's death the ACF teamed up with the RNLI and other organisations to create a "FastNet Recovery System" which is a net that makes it easier to recover people who have fallen into the water. 'Practise thoroughly' Chief inspector of marine accidents, Andrew Moll, said: "Not every event or outing requires bespoke equipment but it may be necessary, especially when sailing with people whose ability to assist with their own recovery might be impaired."All skippers should consider how they and their crew will recover an unconscious person from the water in a timely manner and ensure they and their crew practise thoroughly for such an event." An ACF spokesperson said: "Since the incident, we have introduced significant improvements designed to strengthen the support and protection we offer to all participants."These include the introduction of a dedicated safety vessel, enhanced risk assessments tailored to individual needs, and joining the RYA Sailability programme to further our commitment to inclusive and safe sailing."Our charity was founded to break down barriers and open up competitive sailing to disabled sailors. "We remain fully committed to this mission and to ensuring the highest possible standards of care, safety, and support for everyone who sails with us." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
The Independent
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
15 of the best things to do on the Isle of Wight
When planning an island holiday for sun, sand and fun for the family – the 147sq-mile diamond off England 's southern shore may not be the first that springs to mind. The Isle of Wight, a haven for retro staycations, hiking trails and stylish seafood for the sailing set, has long been working on its rebrand from drab to fab. And with vineyards, friendly alpacas and an emphasis on wellness, setting sail for some of the UK 's sunniest days is well worth the ferry ride. An annual music festival dances in Newport, Cowes Week sweeps across the Solent and rides still spin for thrill seekers at the UK 's oldest theme park. That's before even donning a wetsuit to dive into the coastline or laying a towel on some of Britain's best beaches. With buckets of things to do away from the sand, here are the top ways to pass the time on an Isle of Wight getaway. 1. Try the UK's oldest rides at Blackgang Chine At Ventnor's Blackgang Chine, the UK's oldest family theme park, you can ride, scream, and dance your way through 180 years of thrills and games. Its summer firework extravaganzas and Halloween spookfests are family-friendly highlights of the island calendar, and it's easy to navigate Cowboy Town, Dodo Valley and the moving dinosaurs of Restricted Area 5 with little ones. 2. Visit Queen Victoria's Osborne House The grand Osborne House, Queen Victoria's seaside retreat in East Cowes, combines Victorian opulence with Italianate gardens for a visually and culturally enriching afternoon spent experiencing royal life. There are beautifully preserved staterooms, royal apartments and servants' quarters to explore on more than 300 acres of landscaped grounds before sipping tea with raised pinkies in the terraced café. 3. Dive into seafood at The Hut What's a trip to the seaside without a fish supper? For something fancier than a chippy on the coast, The Hut in Colwell Bay reigns as the seafood spot in West Wight for stylish surf 'n' turf and unrivalled sunset views. This is where leisurely lunches on the Solent are done best. Here, boats drop diners off on the jetty for bursting stacks of fruits de mer, platters of Porthilly oysters on beachfront tables and boozy sundowners on the rooftop terrace with a playlist primed for hauling yachties out of their seats to dance the night away. 4. Ride the Steam Railway It's all aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a charming 10-mile round trip through some of the island's best landscapes. Puff through the countryside, rolling from Havenstreet to Smallbrook Junction and on to Wootton in ornate Victorian and Edwardian carriages, with or without the kids, to enjoy over 150 years of railway history before a light bite in The Barn Cafe. 5. Cruise the Needles A trip to Alum Bay not only offers an action-packed high-speed ride with The Needles Pleasure Cruises – for a whistle-stop tour of the water's iconic chalk stacks – but also a steep trip down the colourful cliffs on the famed chairlift, giving you the chance to see the three landmarks up close for yourself. Trips leave the bay for a close-up look at the Needles rocks and lighthouse seven days a week (weather permitting) on boats Yarmouth Rose, Summer Rose, Ramblin' Rose and Wild Rose. 6. Go wine tasting at Adgestone Vineyard Holding the title of the UK's oldest commercial vineyard, Adgestone Vineyard's vines are planted on a south-facing slope with panoramic views of Brading and, although small, are well worth a visit when the sun comes out for tours, pours and live music. Tantalising wine tastings swirl through full-bodied reds, crisp glasses of blush and a sparkling blue for just £22pp, including a self-guided tour of the cellars and vines and live music performances. 7. Get pungent at The Garlic Farm Love it or hate it, garlic chutney, garlic olives and garlic vodka strongly season Arreton Valley's Garlic Farm with its pungent namesake. Since 1983, there has even been an Isle of Wight Garlic Festival held on the third weekend in August devoted to the powerful bulbs. The island's farm happens to be the UK's largest garlic producer, with as much as 50 acres of the cloves grown each year. Visit for farm tours plus garlic-based tastings in the on-site restaurant. 8. Befriend an alpaca The residents of West Wight Alpacas – woolly Suri alpacas that is – welcome visitors on treks of the farm's 23 acres of countryside. Whether walking with Larry, Oreo or even Amadeus, you'll learn all about the South American animals on a scenic stroll with your unique new pal. 9. Kick-start summer at The Isle of Wight Festival Big-name acts descend to serenade the island and kickstart the al fresco activities for the Isle of Wight Festival in June. The original festival was held at Ford Farm in 1968, with the likes of David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Fleetwood Mac performing at past instalments of 'Europe's answer to Woodstock'. This year, Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake will take to the stage at Seaclose Park in Newport. 10. Walk the Tennyson Trail The chalky Tennyson Trail stretches from Carisbrooke to The Needles, travelling along the spine of island highlights, Afton Down and Freshwater Bay. Keen walkers can get their steps in on the poetic 14-mile hike – best planned with a well-deserved refuel at Dimbola Tea Room – or stop to catch their breath and dolphin spot at The Tennyson Monument. 11. Downsize at the Godshill Model Village With its thatched cottages and model village, pocket-sized Godshill epitomises 'chocolate box'. The 1/10th scale replica of Godshill and Shanklin Old Village in the 1920s is a timeless family attraction set in the grounds of the Old Vicarage. After being charmed by miniatures, tie in lunch at Loaph for trendy sandwiches, pastries and breakfast rolls that are more than bite-sized. 12. Sail into Cowes Week With August comes Cowes Week, the seven-day sailing regatta that draws a nautical-loving crowd of over 100,000 at the height of the summer holidays. One of the longest-running sailing events in the world, Cowes Week has been a part of the British sporting calendar since 1826, with up to 600 keelboats participating in the races. Pitch up with a Pimm's to make the most of the lively sailing scene between 2–8 August. 13. Embrace a wellness event at Ventnor Botanic Garden Get to Ventnor for immersive sound baths, yoga and pilates backdropped by the 22-acre sanctuary of Ventnor Botanic Garden. Wellbeing experiences are scheduled in the studio or amongst the trees with gongs, crystal bowls, chimes and percussion part of the current 'Trees of Life' sound series. 14. Take the bus for a ride round the island Hop on and off a Southern Vectis bus for an open-top ride around the island. The Island Coaster linking Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin with the West Wight area is the longest bus route on the island, cruising the Military Road towards Freshwater with impressive views over the coastline. 15. Sweat it out at a Slomo sauna Looking for some R&R between sightseeing? Book a 60-minute Slomo sauna in Freshwater Bay to sweat it out on the edge of a pebble beach. Open every weekend until the end of June 'whatever the weather', this site is steps from the Albion Hotel and a wood-fired pizza van for a slow Sunday on the island's west coast.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Five years on, a look back at the Covid pandemic on the Island
As this month marks the fifth anniversary of the Covid pandemic, here's a timeline of what was happening on the Isle of Wight. According to figures from the Isle of Wight Council, 40,200 people on the Island contracted Covid during the pandemic between March 2020 and April 2022, while 421 died. The Island's first case was reported on March 4, 2020. Cases steadily rose on the Island, with a second confirmed on March 10, a third on March 20, a fourth on March 21 and a spike in cases with four more on March 22. IW NHS Trust staff during the pandemic. Read more: Island MP says Belgrave Road "back to square one" after Ventnor rockfall Letting your kids walk to school alone? This is the age the NSPCC says is old enough The pandemic saw the Island plunged into a national lockdown on March 23, 2020, as a busy summer of events turned into a batch of cancellations - The Isle of Wight Festival, Cowes Week and sports events all postponed. Islanders lined the streets every Thursday in lockdown to clap the NHS's tireless work. In May 2020, health minister Matt Hancock confirmed the NHS Track and Trace app was to be trialled on the Isle of Wight - eventually having a national rollout. The Isle of Wight's local democracy reporter Louise Hill, based at the County Press, appeared on television during a daily government briefing to ask the minister about data protection during the trial. Every Thursday, people clapped for the NHS In June 2020, while tough lockdown restrictions were still imposed, then Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely apologised after attending a barbecue and admitted to eating half a sausage. Restrictions eased in the summer of 2020, and the government launched the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, before impositions tightened again with a lockdown in November 2020. The Covid vaccine arrived on the Island in December 2020 with pensioner Ken Killeen the first to receive a dose. Ken Killeen receiving his Covid vaccine The Isle of Wight was placed into 'Tier 1' restrictions in December 2020, the lowest level, before further restrictions were imposed on Boxing Day - allowing Islanders to spend Christmas with their loved ones. County Press reporter Jon Moreno was admitted to hospital with Covid over New Year following a positive test on Boxing Day, at one point losing all breath before making a full recovery. The Isle of Wight then moved from among the lowest number of Covid cases to the highest, as the UK was plunged into another national lockdown. Signs like this became the norm Schools closed to move to online learning and non-essential retail closed, as the nation received vaccines. Although restrictions gradually lifted throughout 2021 and we eased back to normal life, Islanders were left with the lasting impacts of Covid, many of which carry a legacy today.
